Religious Education
At Savile Park we believe it is essential for our pupils to learn about religion, as it develops a curious nature. Through the study of religious practice and reflection, children further their understanding of their own values and beliefs as well as those around them and people around the world which is essential for them to gain cultural capital. We aim systematically to prepare pupils for the spiritual and intellectual challenges of living in a world with diverse religions and beliefs as well as non-beliefs.
We do this through delivering an intellectually challenging and personally enriching curriculum that teaches the beliefs, values, similarities and differences between the major religions as well non-religious groups exploring the role that religious and non-religious worldviews play in all human life.
By asking big questions and challenging stereotypes, our children will leave school with an appreciation for diversity and a firm understanding of their place in the world rooted in respect.
Exploring Believing and Belonging
At Savile Park, we follow the Believing and Belonging syllabus for Religion and Worldviews, which supports children in developing a rich understanding of the diverse beliefs, values, and ways of life that shape people’s experiences both locally and globally.
This curriculum goes beyond simply learning about religions. It helps pupils to explore and understand the lived experiences of individuals and communities, encouraging curiosity, empathy, and reflection. Religion and worldviews at Savile Park plays a key role in helping children grow into thoughtful, respectful, and confident individuals.
What Is Believing and Belonging?
The syllabus is named Believing and Belonging because it focuses on two essential ideas:
Believing – Understanding the beliefs, values, and practices of different religions and worldviews, including Christianity, other major world religions, and non-religious beliefs (such as Humanism).
Belonging – Exploring questions about identity, meaning, and community, and encouraging children to see themselves as part of a diverse world.
What Will Children Learn?
Through Religion and Worldviews, pupils will:
· Build Knowledge of different religions and worldviews, and understand the similarities and differences between them.
· Develop Critical Thinking by asking thoughtful questions, making connections, and considering different perspectives.
· Reflect on Personal Beliefs and values, helping them explore their own identities in a safe and respectful space.
· Grow in Respect for Diversity, appreciating how people’s beliefs and backgrounds influence their lives and choices.
· Prepare for Life in a Global Society, with the knowledge, empathy, and skills to participate positively in their communities and the wider world.
Our Six Learning Pathways
RE at Savile Park is built around six themes, or ‘pathways’, that run through the curriculum from Early Years to Year 6. These help children develop understanding in a coherent and progressive way:
The Nature of Belief Children explore what religions and worldviews are, how they are practiced, and how they change over time.
Expressing Belief Pupils learn how people communicate their beliefs through stories, rituals, art, music, drama, and more.
A Good Life Discussions focus on values and ethics – what it means to live well, how people make moral decisions, and how beliefs shape behaviour.
Personal Journey Children reflect on life’s big questions, including meaning, identity, purpose, and belonging, from both religious and non-religious perspectives.
Influence and Authority Pupils explore how religious and non-religious beliefs influence culture, law, leadership, and community life.
The Big Picture This pathway helps children consider the big questions about life and the universe – where we come from, why we’re here, and what it means to be human.
Why the subject matters
Religion and Worldviews is an important part of the curriculum because it:
· Encourages open-mindedness and respect
· Promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development
· Provides a safe space to explore and discuss challenging ideas
· Equips pupils with the skills to navigate a complex, diverse world
At Savile Park, we believe that RE helps our pupils to better understand others—and themselves. It supports their development not just as learners, but as citizens of a diverse and ever-changing world.
At our school, Religion and Worldviews plays a key role in supporting children’s personal development and understanding of the world around them. Through stories, discussions, celebrations, and hands-on experiences, children learn to respect others, reflect on their own beliefs and values, and explore big life questions.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Religion and Worldviews helps children:
· Understand their place in the world by talking about family, community members, and familiar people.
· Explore diversity by learning how different people celebrate special times and believe different things.
· Connect with nature through stories and activities that foster care for the world around them.
· Develop empathy and values through role play, storytelling, and discussions about feelings and behaviour.
These activities are woven into daily routines and stories, helping children grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually in age-appropriate ways.
Key Stage One (years 1-2
Children begin to explore:
· What religion and belief mean and how people express them through symbols, places of worship, and community practices.
· Moral stories and rules from different faiths that guide people on how to live well.
· People’s personal journeys, including experiences that shape how they live and believe.
· Celebrations and special occasions across different religions and cultures, helping children appreciate similarities and differences.
Key Stage Two (years 3-6
Children develop a deeper understanding of:
· Religious and non-religious worldviews, including their values, practices, and impact on daily life.
· Expression through creativity, such as music, art, and storytelling within different traditions.
· Guidance for living well, including teachings from religious leaders and sacred texts.
· Life experiences and big questions, such as why people go on pilgrimages or meditate.
· The role of religion in communities, both locally and globally, and how it shapes culture and identity.
Our curriculum is designed to be inclusive, thought-provoking, and respectful of all beliefs. It helps children make sense of their own values and understand others – essential skills for life in our diverse world.